VICE SQUAD
Sweet, tender local fruit is peachy-keen
August 12, 2008
Comments on this story
(1)
Jean LaMantia
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Product: Peaches
Price: $1.49 per lb. (Oxford Fruit Market)
Manufacturer: Ontario Tender Fruit Growers
The position: Peaches are fat-free, sodium-free and a source of vitamins A and C.
Nutritional breakdown: Per peach: 40 calories, 9 g carbohydrate (1 g fibre, 7 g sugar), 1 g protein, 0 g fat; vitamin C 10 per cent
Analysis: Grown in Ontario in the Niagara area, peaches satisfy your appetite and your desire to support local growers.
Although one peach's vitamin C content is only 10 per cent of the recommended daily intake, vitamins and minerals are not the only measure of good nutrition. Phytochemicals (naturally produced plant chemicals) help to protect us from disease.
One class of phytochemicals, carotenoids, are easy to spot as they are naturally pigmented. Foods containing carotenoids are orange, green, red, yellow and/or purple. The carotenoid responsible for the orange colour of peaches is beta-carotene.
There is strong evidence of the disease-fighting potential of carotenoids. If you choose colourful fruits and vegetables, you're reducing your risk of developing heart disease, cancer and other chronic diseases.
Alternative: Also in season now and grown locally are apples, apricots, blueberries, pears, plums and melons. For more information on locally grown produce, check out www.foodland.gov.on.ca
Take it or leave it: Peaches are a delicious, healthy choice. Great as a snack or dessert, they're also delicious in main-course salads.
Jean LaMantia is a registered dietitian at the Adelaide Health Clinic. Go to jeanlamantia.com. Check out more Vice at thestar.com/vicesquad.
Toronto Star
Featured Sponsored Listings